I bumped into Joey Barton last week. It was at the Leaders Sport Business
Summit at Stamford Bridge and Barton had come to watch a question-and-answer
session with Sir Dave Brailsford. “He’s a fascinating man,” he said when we
saw each other in the green room. “I have always wanted to know how he did
such amazing things with British Cycling.”

As always, Barton greeted me with a hug. He asked after my wife and kids. His
inquisitiveness is natural and sincere. I mentioned that I had read in The
Times that he is now rated among the most influential